The battle took place about 70 miles north-west of Cape Finisterre, the most
north westward cape in Spain.

A British squadron of 12 ships-of-the-line
under Rear-Admiral Anson, were cruising in search of French convoys.

A large group of about 38 French ships were sighted about 0930 hrs. They
comprised two convoys, one bound for India and the other for Canada. The
outnumbered convoy escort formed into a line of battle at noon as the rest
made best speed away.

At 1500hrs Anson ordered a 'general chase' and by 1900hrs all the escort
had struck their colours. Three British ships detached to pursue the convoy
and about six were captured, together with two small convoy escorts. The
rest escaped into the gathering night.